Mobile recycling highlighted for charitable applications

22 June 2009 — 10:18 AM

Recycling mobile phones has been highlighted as a great way for people to give cash to charity by trading in used handsets.

In an article for the Cambridge News website, Chris Elliott drew attention to one particular campaign that is making use of unwanted devices to help save Africa's endangered gorillas.

Global conservation group Fauna & Flora International believes that by selling old mobile phones, consumers can do their bit for the planet and - with so many unwanted models - suggested there is plenty of cash to be generated.

Charlotte Whitwell, fundraising officer for group, said: "With an estimated 90 million phones lying unused in offices, drawers, cupboards and landfills across the UK alone, the potential is huge."

However, she added it was essential for people to "dig around and send their old phones in" if a difference is to be made.

Of course, when a mobile is recycled, it is often broken down into reusable components that can provide a cheaper option for communications technology in developing nations - making the process even friendlier to the planet.